Pittosporum eriocarpum

Pittosporum eriocarpum, commonly known as the woolly pittosporum, is a unique evergreen shrub native to specific coastal regions. Valued in traditional ethnobotany, this plant possesses distinctive hairy foliage and small, fragrant flowers. Its medicinal potential lies in its bioactive compounds, which are currently being studied for therapeutic properties.

  • Scientific name: Pittosporum eriocarpum
  • Family: Pittosporaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Apiales and sits within the family Pittosporaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Pittosporum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Pittosporaceae WCVP
Genus Pittosporum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Pittosporum eriocarpum, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the woolly pittosporum, a name that reflects its characteristic texture. In Chinese, it is commonly known as xì bái mǔ (细白木), while in Japanese, it is called haku-moku (白木).
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is a specific medicinal species found within the vast region of the Indian Subcontinent. Its presence is primarily documented throughout the diverse landscapes of India. More specifically, it can be located within the rugged terrain of the West Himalaya. This mountainous range provides the ideal environmental conditions necessary for its growth. Consequently, its geographical footprint is closely tied to these specific high-altitude areas.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Pittosporum eriocarpum, possesses distinct morphological features across its various components that contribute to its botanical identity. The leaf is typically characterized by its shape and texture, providing the primary surface area for photosynthesis. The fruit develops as a key reproductive structure, often containing the seeds necessary for the plant's propagation. Additionally, the bark covers the stems and branches, serving as a protective outer layer for the plant's internal vascular systems.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Pittosporum eriocarpum has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, falcarinol, ferulic acid, flavonoid, isopropyl myristate.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
falcarinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ferulic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isopropyl myristate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tetradecanoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pittosporum eriocarpum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gram-negative bacteria.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
gram-negative bacteria 1 ★☆☆☆☆